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Much talk, little change
over care for vulnerable
Re: “Group homes going unregulated” (Page A1, Aug. 4) and “Prison Leaders chastised for ‘unconscionable’ conditions at now-shuttered women’s prison” (Page A1, Aug. 6 ).
These two stories share a common thread: Our political leaders talk loudly about the need for rehabilitation opportunities for those with substance abuse and criminal convictions and then provide very little for them.
It potentially gets worse. Your next story should be an examination of the foster care and juvenile justice systems used for children who have been abused or neglected. These children are the most vulnerable and need the greatest system of care.
We have an obligation and ability to do better yet we consistently do not. The only way this might change is if voters tell those in power that it matters. History suggests this isn’t likely. How sad is that?
Eugene Hyman
Los Altos
What has happened
to Republican Party?
Re: “Divided country evident at rallies” (Page A1, Aug. 5).
This story tells us only what we already know — we’re polarized. What readers need are the facts behind it. Is it a normal division of political thought? Is it a major shift of political thinking? Or is it cult behavior on steroids?
The fact is one party has nominated a candidate who orchestrated to try to overturn an election, sought to change Georgia election results, allegedly stole and hid classified documents, has been convicted of falsifying business records and has been found liable for sexual abuse and defamation. What’s wrong with this party?
One party has turned into a personality cult around a criminal candidate.
Allen Price
Montara
It’s time to create
peace in Mideast
Re: “Let Israel fight for its ultimate victory” (Page A6, Aug. 6).
While I agree with Mr. Stein that Hamas should surrender and that Israel should defend itself, there may be a wider meaning to the pro-Palestinian protests: not a protest against Israel but of war itself.
When Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine nearly all the world’s governments condemned the action. How many of us noticed that? Truly, Hamas is putting the Palestinian people in harm’s way directly, holding their own people hostage. But war, any war, makes innocents suffer, bleed and die.
More hatred never overcomes hatred; more revenge never satisfies the ache of loss; more belligerence never calms belligerence. Adding more grief solves nothing.
It is truly time to create peace, through forgiveness and understanding if possible; because of sheer exhaustion if not.
Francesca Thoman
San Jose
Netanyahu drags U.S.
into regional conflict
Re: “Let Israel fight for its ultimate victory” (Page A6, Aug. 6).
I am appalled that anyone would condone Israel attacking schools and hospitals and blocking supplies to innocent Palestinians caught in the crossfire, as well as children dying from starvation.
It is not OK to become desensitized to the suffering of innocent people, even if they are the enemy.
Everyone knows Benjamin Netanyahu does not want peace. Even Joe Biden is frustrated with Netanyahu for assassinating a Hamas peace negotiator on Iranian soil, which violates international law and, as a result, has blocked all prospects of a cease-fire agreement. We’re looking at an all-out war. Thanks to Israel, America is now complicit.
Shame on us for allowing Israel to dictate American policy.
Helena Vella
Burlingame
Immediate cease-fire
needed in Middle East
Re: “As Israel braces for Iran’s retaliation, diplomats work to avoid a wider war” (Page A4, Aug. 6).
I think it is atrocious that Palestinians are left without food, water and medicine yet again. Now this Israel-Palestine war has become a wider war.
How is this war going to end now? Will there ever be a hostage negotiation? There needs to be an immediate cease-fire and hostage release deal, which is what President Biden is calling for.
Celeste McGettigan
San Jose
U.S. is supporting
naked Israeli aggression
Re: “U.S. and allies prepare to defend Israel” (Aug. 5, Page A3).
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The Associated Press article headlined that the United States was sending military forces to the Middle East to “defend Israel” from Iran. Israel doesn’t need defending; it is relentlessly attacking Iran and its allies.
Israel fears an Iranian counter-strike because in one week, it has bombed Beirut, Teheran and Gaza in order to assassinate leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Civilians were killed and buildings destroyed in these attacks, along with the targeted victims. This is not self-defense; it is naked aggression, and the United States should not sacrifice our own people and resources to support it. Americans don’t need this.
David Spero
San Francisco
